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Bearcats Breakfast 8.30.12

Spent some time at practice yesterday and UC shifted its focus primarily to game night situations. They ran through the details all the way down to where everyone stands on the sidelines.

The bottom line is UC will not have the tune-up game opportunity Pitt enjoys this weekend. That will be a disadvantage, there is no way around that particularly with 65 first- and second-year players.

An adage across college football and one I've heard come out of Butch Jones mouth many times is that most progress is made from Game 1 to Game 2. The Panthers, with a first-year head coach, will benefit.

Jones and the Bearcats do their best to duplicate chaotic situations and pressure plays during practice, but there is no telling how kids will react under the lights.

"(Pitt) has already been through all the game management situations, that is a tremendous challenge," Jones said. "Having the right guys on the field -- eleven guys on the field, your different situational football."

Jones said he's added slightly more substitution work lately to compensate for the lack of a game and high number of young players this weekend, but for the most part practice followed the same model as in past years.

One more interesting comment Jones made in regards to the game was admitting Pitt has been his pick to win the conference.

"You look at their football team, it's comprised of the most Top 50 football players in the conference," he said. "The expert in Kirk Herbstreit picked them to win the Big East conference, which really, they've been my pick. They are an extremely talented football team and we have to play well. We'll know more of exactly where we are at after the game Thursday night."

JK Schaffer is going to make the Jaguars today, it appears. CBSSports.com and SBNation both say so. And if there were any doubt, Schaffer put the exclamation point on a great preseason with an interception last night.

Making an NFL team as an undrafted free agent isn't easy, but nobody that reads this blog blinks an eye in surprise. Mardy Gilyard may finally be figuring out what it takes in the NFL. His will be a name to watch as cuts fall today. He had five receptions for 71 yards and a TD last night. The BearEagles could be adding another if he survives.

It's no secret Gilyard struggled to find himself in the league, but his talent is no secret around here as well. Perhaps he needed a little humbling to hit his stride.

--- What do you guys think of the new site? RIP my old bald man sketch. Now, nobody will think I'm a 55-year-old retiree. (Truth: I'm 31 and don't have giant sketched scars on the side of my face)

--- The Afterhours promotion appeared to be a huge success last night, sources say the phones were ringing off the hook. Way to come through Bearcats fans.

--- I discussed the Take the Field videos yesterday after the post from BearcatsNation. I can only say that I have now seen an exclusive sneak peak of the 2012 edition. All I'll say is it's strong and absolutely will challenge for the title of best at Nippert.

Talked with OC Mike Bajakian about how the running back situation panned out entering game week. He offered this assessment: "We're happy with all those guys. George Winn continues to be the rock of the group as the fifth-year senior whose got the most experience, a good sized back whose physical in his style of play. The other guys have come along. Jameel Poteat has come along, Ralph David Abernathy, Deionte Buckley, the list goes on, they've continued to progress.

"They all have their strengths and weaknesses, it's the tricky part with any position or players. Whether multiple guys competing for playing time or multiple guys, the tricky part for coaches is how to utilize their talents."

--- Wish I was in Philly this weekend. Jay-Z and Pearl Jam headline the Made In America Festival. That's about as good a 1-2 combo as you are going to get. Would be even better if Hova went Unplugged. Have a great weekend everybody. Game week is upon us.